At Carefound Home Care the health and well-being of our clients and our staff is our priority and we feel it is important to provide our clients, their families and our community with further information about the risks associated with coronavirus (COVID-19) and what we continue to do to help our clients, our staff and those around us stay safe and what you can do to stay safe and vigilant.
We are very proud that the huge efforts of our teams to protect and support our clients, whilst ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff, has produced positive outcomes across our service to date and clearly demonstrated that home care is the safest care during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“I have been complimented by other health professionals, doctors, social workers on the excellence of care that they both provide, they cannot find fault with any aspect of the care they give. Personally my stress levels are greatly reduced now I know my parents are in such safe and capable hands.”
Daughter of Mr and Mrs T, Yorkshire
Our coronavirus policy
We have a COVID-19 Policy which is regularly updated and provides our staff with protocols and procedures to follow based on the latest guidance from NHS England. This includes:
- closely following guidance from Public Health England, NHS England, United Kingdom Home Care Association (UKHCA), Gov.UK and ACAS
- ensuring our staff and our clients are kept updated on actions being taken to reduce the risks of exposure
- following NHS advice if a staff member, a household or a client has symptoms of coronavirus, including the latest stay at home guidance
- ensuring access to adequate and suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing, including hand sanitiser and additional PPE to comply with latest advice (e.g. protective face masks)
- arranging symptomatic testing (or other required testing) of our staff for COVID-19
- facilitating vaccination of all of our staff and clients
- ensuring infection control and prevention measures are followed by staff at all times including:
- wearing appropriate PPE for client visits based on a risk assessment (including: the risk of exposure to blood and body fluids, if somebody is suspected or confirmed to be COVID-19 positive, if a client is particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes from COVID-19, if the client or staff member has personal preferences)
- keeping a safe distance of at least one metre from another person in social interactions that do not require close contact
- wearing face coverings as required in enclosed situations particularly where recommended physical distancing is difficult to maintain
- covering their mouth and nose with a tissue or their sleeve (not their hands) when they cough or sneeze
- putting used tissues in a bin immediately
- washing their hands with soap and water regularly for 20 seconds and use hand sanitiser gel (at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available
- trying to avoid close contact with people to whom they are not delivering care who are unwell
- avoiding touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
Our business continuity policy
We have a thorough Business Continuity Plan which details the steps we take in the event of a major incident such as a coronavirus outbreak.
This includes steps we will take if our staff capacity to deliver care is significantly reduced. In this scenario we will prioritise care visits according to client needs to ensure critical care is covered first, using a tried and tested methodology that our team are well prepared to implement.
We are also in constant contact with our professional carers and keep an up-to-date record of who may be impacted by government measures such as school closures and who can provide additional availability if necessary.
Our technology in place is also of great benefit during these challenging times and we are using this to reduce unnecessary face-to-face contact where appropriate. This includes carrying out staff meetings, support visits and staff supervisions online or by telephone.
We recognise that the need for our service may increase as pressures on the primary care system evolve and so we are always working to increase our capacity to support families where we can. This includes our one-to-one live-in care service which we believe reduces the risk of infection given that it requires fewer interactions between staff, clients and others. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you wish to learn more about this service.
Latest official guidance
For the most up-to-date information and official guidance on coronavirus, please visit the links below:
GOV.UK – Coronavirus (COVID-19) What you need to do
Thank you
We will continue to work tirelessly to support you, your family and our staff and I would like to thank you for your support and cooperation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
As ever, should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact your local care management team.
Oliver Stirk
Managing Director
Our carers being recognised in Westminster
Our home care services
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